Palencia’s Comeback Sparks Cubs’ Bullpen Hopes

Daniel Palencia radiated joy on Sunday. Returning after eight weeks on the injured list, the Chicago Cubs reliever excelled in Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. His fastball consistently reached triple digits, reflecting the dominance the team expected last year. In two perfect innings, he struck out three of six batters, marking a crucial step forward since he resumed play on August 21.

Against the Reds, Palencia averaged a fastball speed of 99.5 mph, peaking at 100.6 mph. I’ve been feeling in a good spot with a lot of confidence right now, Palencia expressed on Sunday. I wasn’t trying to throw hard. When I saw the velocity, I felt good. It’s about confidence and executing my pitches. I feel like myself.

With six games left in the regular season, manager Craig Counsell is focusing on the bullpen. The Cubs have a chance to secure a wild-card playoff spot on Tuesday with a win over the Miami Marlins or if the Arizona Diamondbacks fall to the Colorado Rockies.

Manager Craig Counsell commented, We need to evaluate our bullpen this final week. Today was a significant step, addressing the fact that the Cubs rank 28th in bullpen fWAR at minus-0.8. Their relievers’ 3.91 ERA places them 14th in MLB rankings.

Injuries have required some bullpen role adjustments. Hunter Harvey pitched only four innings before a triceps injury ended his season. Phil Maton had season-ending knee surgery. Hoby Milner’s emergency surgery made him an outlier in the team once Caleb Thielbar and Ryan Rolison proved dependable.

Jacob Webb leads the Cubs with nine saves. If he remains at nine, the Cubs might join four other teams since 1969 to reach the postseason without a pitcher having 10 saves. Palencia’s early oblique injury and a two-month flexor strain limited what could have been a remarkable season. His recent performance is vital as the Cubs head into the playoffs.

That’s the Danny Palencia we know, said catcher Carson Kelly. After Palencia’s extended layoff, Saturday was pivotal. Kelly noted that beyond the speed, Palencia’s use of a splitter on a decisive pitch showed his maturity and growth.

The Cubs hope Palencia will continue to perform well in the high-pressure moments leading into the postseason. Getting players ample game time prevents decisions based on single outings, remarked Counsell. Despite recency bias in later seasons, the totality of players’ work remains imperative.